Uninterruptable tap

ABSTRACT

A coaxial tap in a hybrid fiber coaxial cable distribution system serves subscribers with an RF signal.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,674 entitled Uninterruptable Tap, filed Jul. 27, 2020 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/809,064 entitled Uninterruptable Tap, filed Mar. 4, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an article of manufacture for exchanging electrical signals. In particular, a coaxial tap shares signals between coaxial circuits such as between a hardline coaxial circuit and a subscriber coaxial circuit.

Discussion of the Related Art

Coaxial taps serve subscribers by exchanging signals between a distribution circuit and subscriber circuit(s). They are commonly used in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) distribution systems, for example systems providing cable television (CATV) services and/or Internet services. In a typical HFC system, there are multiple coaxial taps along a coaxial distribution line such as a coaxial hardline. The hardline coaxial cable distributes a signal which includes an RF signal and an equipment supply voltage. The distributed RF signal is shared with subscribers served by each tap and the equipment supply voltage powers devices connected to the distribution circuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The evolution of HFC systems includes increases in data transmission speeds. For example, 1.2 GHz (Gigahertz) systems will in cases be upgraded to 2-3 GHz systems. This evolution may require various modification in equipment including HFC taps.

In an embodiment, a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transport cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; and, the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; wherein tap hardline circuits are configured to continuously pass an equipment supply voltage present on one of the hardlines to the other of the hardlines irrespective of whether RF signals are conveyed to the subscriber ports.

In an embodiment, a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transporting cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; and, the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; wherein an RF switch for passing only RF signals is configured to pass RF signals present on one of the hardlines to the other of the hardlines when circuits for conveying the RF signal to the subscriber ports cease to convey the RF signal to the subscriber ports.

In an embodiment a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transport cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; and, the housing enclosing circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardlines; wherein a bridge is configured to continuously pass equipment supply voltage but not RF signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines and an RF switch is configured to pass RF signals but not equipment supply voltage between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the RF signals do not reach the subscriber ports.

In an embodiment, a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the hardlines transporting cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; and, the hardline circuits including a bridge for continuously passing equipment supply voltage but not RF signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines; wherein an RF switch is for passing RF signals but not equipment supply voltage between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the drop circuits do not receive the RF signals.

In an embodiment a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the tap housing having an exterior surface that includes plural subscriber connections; within the tap housing, circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; within the tap housing, a socket interconnected with the circuits; the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module; the electronic module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; an entryway in the exterior surface that provides access to the socket and a passage for the electronic module; and, a removable closure for blocking the entryway.

The tap above wherein tap internals are accessible only by the entryway in the exterior surface.

In an embodiment, a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with a front face opposite a back face and sidewalls joining the faces; coaxial cable hardline ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; subscriber ports located on the front face and configured to interconnect with subscribers; within the tap housing, circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; within the tap housing one or more sockets interconnected with the circuits; the one or more sockets configured to removably receive respective electronic modules, each module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; for each socket, an opening in the face plate or sidewalls that is aligned with the socket; and, a removable closure for blocking each of the openings; wherein each opening corresponds in size with the electronic module associated with the socket aligned with the opening such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening.

In the above embodiment wherein but for the one or more openings, the tap is permanently sealed.

In an embodiment, a tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with a front face opposite a back face and sidewalls joining the faces; tap housing coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the tap housing front face having plural subscriber connections; within the tap housing, circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; within the tap housing, a socket interconnected with the circuits; the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module; the electronic module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; a tap housing entryway that provides access to the socket and a passage for insertion or removal of the electronic module from the tap housing; and, a removable closure for blocking the entryway.

The embodiment above wherein the entryway corresponds in size with the associated electronic module such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening.

In an embodiment, the invention provides a device for exchanging signals between a distribution circuit and one or more subscriber circuits. In an embodiment, a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable distribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing for interconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the hardlines transporting RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits including a bridge for passing only low frequency equipment supply voltage signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines; and, the drop circuits for passing only high frequency signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines; wherein an RF switch is for passing only RF signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the drop circuits are disconnected from the hardline circuits.

In an embodiment a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable distribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing for interconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuits servicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits including a bridge for separating RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals; the separated equipment supply voltage signals transferred from one of the hardlines to the other hardline; the separated RF signals transferred to the drop circuits and back to the bridge when an RF switch status indicates the drop circuits are connected to the hardline circuits; and, the separated RF signals bypassing the drop circuits and transferred back to the bridge when switch status indicates that the drop circuits are not connected to the hardline circuits.

In some embodiments the tap further comprises an RF switch actuator; and, the actuator moving in response to movement of the drop circuits with respect to the hardline circuits. In some embodiments the tap further comprises connectors for electrically connecting the drop circuits and the hardline circuits; the RF switch in a first state when the connectors are mated; and, the RF switch in a second state when the connectors are not mated. In some embodiments the tap further comprises connectors for electrically connecting the drop circuits and the hardline circuits; and, wherein moving the drop circuits away from the hardline circuits in a direction that disconnects the drop circuits from the hardline circuits changes the state of the RF switch. In some embodiments moving the drop circuits toward the hardline circuits in a direction that connects the drop circuits and the hardline circuits changes the state of the RF switch. In some embodiments the drop circuits pass RF signals when the RF switch is open. In some embodiments the drop circuits do not pass RF signals when the RF switch is closed. In some embodiments the RF switch employs a single contact for closing a circuit between connectors used to interconnect the drop circuits and the hardline circuits. In some embodiments the RF switch employs plural contacts for closing a circuit between connectors used to interconnect the drop circuits and the hardline circuits.

In some embodiments first and second connectors are used to interconnect the drop circuits and the hardline circuits; an RF switch in a circuit between the first and second connectors; the bridge including a first diplexer and a second diplexer; the first diplexer coupled to the upstream hardline, the first connector, and the second diplexer; and, the second diplexer coupled to the second connector and the downstream hardline. In some embodiments RF signals originating at the headend are separated into RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals at the first diplexer and at the second diplexer RF signals transported by the RF switch circuit or drop circuits are recombined with equipment supply voltage signals transported by the bridge. In some embodiments subscriber RF signals that originate from a subscriber using this tap or in a tap downstream of this tap are transported to the headend via the first diplexer.

In an embodiment a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable distribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing for interconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuits including a splitter and a directional coupler; the drop circuits servicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits including a bridge for separating RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals; the separated equipment supply voltage signals transferred from one of the hardlines to the other hardline; an RF switch and an RF switch state allowing transport of the separated RF signals to the drop circuits and back to the bridge; and, an RF switch state allowing transport of the separated RF signals back to the bridge independent of the drop circuits.

In this patent application, various embodiments may substitute any form of a hybrid transformer or hybrid passive transformer for a splitter. In this patent application, various embodiments may substitute any form of a hybrid transformer or hybrid passive transformer for a directional coupler.

In some embodiments, connectors are for interconnecting the directional coupler with the drop circuits; and, the directional coupler separable from the tap when connectors are separated. In some embodiments the tap further comprises: a penetration in the housing; and, the penetration exposing the directional coupler. In some embodiments the tap further comprises a metallic closure for covering the penetration and shielding tap internals from ingress or egress of RF signals via the penetration. In some embodiments removal of the metallic closure allows the directional coupler to be exchanged with, due to the bridge, no interruption of downstream equipment supply voltage and with, due to the RF switch, substantially no interruption of downstream RF service. In some embodiments the tap further comprises: a wire clamp extending from the housing; and, the wire clamp on a housing surface opposite or facing the face plate. In some embodiments the tap further comprises: a wire clamp extending from the housing; and, the wire clamp on a housing surface adjoining the face plate.

This summary may not identify all features of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. The general description provided by the foregoing and the detailed description which follows are exemplary and indicate an overview or framework useful in understanding the nature and character of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Description of the present invention is aided by reference to the accompanying exemplary figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate selected embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain its principles enabling a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a hybrid fiber coaxial cable distribution plant.

FIGS. 2A-B show front and side views of a tap in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows tap internals within a housing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows tap internals with a single contact switch in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows tap internals with diplexer signal separation in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3D-E show tap internals with high pass filter and low pass filter signal separation in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A-B show a tap internals with a multicontact switch in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A-B show a first tap assembly with two switches in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5C shows a second tap assembly with two switches in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a tap with a removable directional coupler in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows examples of tap shielding in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-B show another tap embodiment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8C-D show a tap with various possible arrangements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A-D show another tap embodiment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows another directional coupler embodiment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure provided herein describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

Where conductors carrying RF signals are mentioned below, any one or more of these conductors may be shielded. Where filters intended to filter signals of particular frequencies are mentioned, any filter suited to filtering the particular frequencies may be used.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B are schematics of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) signal distribution system and a tap used with this system 100, 200A, 200B.

FIG. 1 shows a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable distribution system 100 such as may be used for distributing television services and/or internet services. The cable distribution system includes a headend 102 interconnected to an optical node 104 via optical fiber 103.

The optical node 104 is connected to downstream coaxial devices via coaxial cables. In the example shown, a headend 102 is connected with an optical node 104 via an optical fiber 103. Thereafter, each of the optical node 104, amplifier 1 106, tap 1 108, amplifier 2 110, and tap 2 112 are interconnected by respective coaxial cables 105, 107, 109, 111. While RF signals may originate at the headend, equipment supply voltage (or power) signals may originate at various locations, e.g. 122, 124, along the coaxial cables.

FIG. 2A shows a tap front view 200A. In this example, a tap face plate 202 includes four subscriber ports or drops such as F Type ports 248, 258, 268, 278. Notably, the number of subscriber ports may vary, for example 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 subscriber ports may be associated with a tap. Interconnecting with the tap, a hardline coaxial cable 107 is shown upstream of the tap and a hardline coaxial cable 109 is shown downstream of the tap.

FIG. 2B shows a tap side view 200B. In this example, F Type ports 258 and 278 are seen projecting from the face plate 202. A tap internal space 272 is bounded by the face plate and by an attached enclosure or enclosure assembly 274 that receives the coaxial cables 107, 109. In various embodiments, the tap internal space 272 is completely enclosed, for example by the tap face plate 202 and the abutting enclosure 274. Together, the face plate and the enclosure assembly may be referred to as a tap assembly 275.

FIGS. 3A-D show schematics of various tap embodiments 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D. In various embodiments, hardline cables 107, 109 carry both a high frequency RF signal and a low frequency equipment supply voltage signal. This equipment supply voltage may be up to 120 V AC or DC and the related current may be up to 15 amps.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary tap with tap circuits within a tap enclosure 300A. The tap circuits include port or drop circuits 318 and coaxial trunk line or hardline circuits 308. Drop circuit connection lines 348, 358, 368, 378 interconnect with drop ports 248, 258, 268, 278. The hardline circuits 308 interconnect with the hardlines 107, 109 via external hardline connectors 380, 390. The hardline circuits 308 interconnect with the drop circuits 318 via connector 322 joining lines 320 and 324 and connector 332 joining lines 330 and 334. In various embodiments, the tap internal circuits are shielded, for example by the tap enclosure, from ingress or egress of RF signals.

In various embodiments, a case or plate 309 holding hardline circuits 308 may provide containment, substrates, and/or shielding. In various embodiments, a case or plate 319 holding drop circuits 318 may provide containment, substrates, and/or shielding.

In various embodiments, the drop circuits 318 include a directional coupler 317 interconnecting the hardline circuits 308 and a splitter 315. Here the splitter interconnects with the F ports 248, 258, 268, 278 via respective connection lines 348, 358, 368, 378. In some embodiments, the directional coupler 317 interconnects with lines 320, 330 from the hardline circuits.

In various embodiments, the drop circuits 318 are separable from the hardline circuits 308 via connectors 322, 332 interconnecting the drop circuits and a hardline bridge (“bridge”) 335 of the hardline circuits 308. As mentioned, the hardline circuits are interconnected with upstream hardline 107 and with downstream hardline 109 via connectors 380, 390.

The tap 300A may be suspended from a wire such as a taut guy wire. Here, a wire clamp 311 affixed to the enclosure 274 provides a means for attaching the tap to the wire. In various embodiments, the clamp may be attached to or may be a part of any surface of the enclosure. For example, the clamp may be attached to or may be a part of the face plate 202, a surface opposite the face plate 204, or a surface adjoining the face plate 206, 208, 210, 212 (see FIG. 2B).

FIG. 3B shows tap circuits and a switch for bypassing the drop circuits 300B. The bypass switch is in a line 340 between bridge connections 320, 330 which interconnect the bridge to the drop circuits via the connectors 322, 332.

The internal connector(s) 322 (connecting bridge line 320 and drop circuits line 324) and 332 (connecting lines bridge 330 and port circuit line 334) interconnect the bridge 335 with the drop circuits 318. In the case that connectors 322 and 332 are separated, the drop circuits 318 are disconnected from the hardline circuits 308.

In various embodiments, separating the connectors 322, 332 changes the state of the bypass switch 342. For example, separation may cause the bypass switch 342 which was open before separation (as shown in FIG. 3B) to be closed after separation. Here, the closed switch bypasses the bridge 335. For example, when the drop circuits 318 are disconnected, the bypass path 340 through switch 342 enables passage of RF around the bridge.

Switch operation may be via an actuator 344. The actuator may be movable with the drop circuits 318 and/or with a movable/removable part of the tap assembly 300A such as the face plate 202. The actuator may be movable with respect to hardline circuits 308.

FIG. 3C shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardline circuits 308, and details of an exemplary bridge 300C.

When switch 342 is open, RF signals pass through the drop circuit 318. For example, actuator 344 may open the switch 342. In various embodiments, the bridge includes a frequency separation device such as a diplexer 382 interconnecting with hardline 107 to separate the high and low frequency signals.

For example, the diplexer 382 may exchange signals with the hardline 107 and pass high frequency RF signals on a drop circuit line 320. Low frequency equipment supply voltage may be passed on a line 341 between hardline connectors 380, 390. Notably, where suitable, the term exchange may refer to any of the signals flowing from device A to device B, to signals flowing from device B to device A, and to signals flowing in both directions.

A second diplexer may be located downstream of the first. For example, a second diplexer 386 may recombine the low frequency equipment supply voltage signal on line 341 with a high frequency RF signal on line 330 such that the signal at the hardline connection 107 is reproduced at hardline connection 109. The signal at hardline connection 107 may be attenuated by the tap.

In some embodiments, low pass filtering 384 such as an inductive (L) or inductive-capacitive (LC) filter may be interposed in line 341, for example between the diplexers 382, 386. This low pass filtering may attenuate RF signals that would otherwise be passed between the diplexers. In some embodiments, band pass filtering may be used.

When switch 342 is closed RF signals 320, 330 leaving one of the diplexers 382, 386 are passed to the other of the diplexers. For example, when the drop circuits 318 are disconnected from the hardline circuits 308 at connectors 322, 332, the actuator 344 may move to close the switch which allows passage of RF signals along line 393 interconnecting the diplexers.

Again, the diplexer 386 may recombine the low frequency equipment supply voltage signal on line 341 with the high frequency RF signal on line 330 such that the signal at the hardline connection 107 is reproduced at hardline connection 109.

As skilled artisans will appreciate, the bridge 335 enables the equipment supply voltage to be passed from hardline connector 380 to hardline connector 390. This is the case irrespective of a connection (e.g., 322, 332) between the drop circuits 318 and the hardline circuits 308.

And, because equipment supply voltage is passed via the bridge 335, only RF signals reach the switch 342. This enables the switch to be designed to pass RF signals in particular. There is no need for the switch to pass high voltages and/or high currents to power equipment (e.g., amplifiers shown in FIG. 1 ) connected to the hardline coaxial cable. This is unlike current HFC taps which typically require a bypass switch that handles both RF and equipment supply voltage.

Because switch 342 is an RF switch, it can be smaller, for example due to the reduced contact area required to carry only RF signals. Switch insertion loss can also be managed/reduced as smaller switch parts allow for designs that more closely match the desired and actual switch impedance (e.g. 75 ohms) reducing undesirable reflections that retard data rates and cause signal loss. Notably, the RF switch here and elsewhere may be a mechanical switch such as a switch with contacts or an electronic switch, for example a semiconductor switch or a switch utilizing a pin diode.

It should be noted that, like the RF switch 342, the drop circuit connectors 322, 332 can also be smaller, for example due to the reduced contact area required to carry only RF signals. In cases, connector insertion loss can also be managed/reduced as smaller parts allow for designs that more closely match the desired and actual connector impedance (e.g. 75 ohms) reducing undesirable reflections that retard data rates and cause signal loss.

FIG. 3D shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardline circuits 308, and details of another exemplary bridge 300D.

In this embodiment filters are used to isolate the high frequency RF signals and the low frequency equipment supply voltage signals. As seen, the bridge 335 includes a line 343 with a low pass filter 357 that connects the upstream hardline 107 and the downstream hardline 109. To either side of the low pass filter, high pass filters 353, 355 are in lines 320, 330 that join connectors 322, 332. In some embodiments filters 353, 355 may be band pass filters.

When the drop circuits 318 are connected 322, 332 to the hardline circuits 308, switch 342 is open (not shown). High frequency RF signals from the hardline 107 are passed to the drop circuits 318 by the high pass filter 353. RF signals leaving the drop circuits pass through the high pass filter 355 and merge with the low frequency signals leaving the low pass filter 357 to reconstruct the upstream hardline signal 107.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstream hardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similar manner via high pass filter 355 and drop circuits 318.

When the drop circuits are disconnected 322, 332 from the hardline circuits 308, switch 342 is closed (as shown). In this case, the RF signals leaving high pass filter 353 are transported via a bypass line 393 to high pass filter 355 where they are merged with the low frequency signals leaving the low pass filter 357 to reconstruct the upstream hardline signal 107.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstream hardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similar manner via high pass filter 355 and closed switch 342.

As seen, this arrangement provides for continuous passage of low frequency signals via the bridge 335 and switching 342 of RF signals such that they pass through the drop circuits 318 (switch open) or are shunted around the drop circuits (switch closed).

FIG. 3E shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardline circuits 308, and details of an exemplary bridge 300E.

Similar to FIG. 3D, in this embodiment filters are used to isolate the high frequency RF signals and the low frequency equipment supply voltage signals. As seen, the bridge 335 includes a line 343 with a low pass filter 357 that connects the upstream hardline 107 and the downstream hardline 109.

High pass filters 385, 387 around RF switch 342 in bypass circuit 393 isolate signals such that only RF signals pass through the switch. Note that either of the high pass filters 385, 387 may be optional. The high pass filters 381, 383 may be included in the drop circuits 318 or external to the drop circuits. Drop circuits 318 are similarly isolated by high pass filters 381, 383 in lines 324, 334 entering/leaving the drop circuits.

FIGS. 4A-B show tap circuits and two switch contacts for bypassing the drop circuits 400A, 400B. In various embodiments, hardline cables 107, 109 carry both a high frequency RF signal and a low frequency equipment supply voltage signal. This equipment supply voltage may be up to 120 V AC or DC and the related current may be up to 15 amps.

FIG. 4A shows tap circuits 400A. The tap circuits include drop circuits 318 and hardline circuits 308. The drop circuits interconnect 391 with subscriber ports (not shown). The hardline circuits interconnect the upstream hardline 107 and downstream hardline 109 via hardline connectors 380, 390. Internal connectors 412, 413 connect the hardline circuits 308 with the drop circuits 318.

As seen, conductors 402, 403 of the drop circuits 318 selectively connect or disconnect with mating bridge conductors 412, 413 to connect or disconnect the drop circuits from the hardline circuits 308. When connected (as shown), an actuator 344 presses a spring biased 418 conductor 416 away from the mating bridge conductors to open a circuit therebetween. When disconnected (see FIG. 4B), the actuator 344 releases the spring biased conductor which moves to contact the mating bridge conductors 433, 435 to close a circuit therebetween. As mentioned above, switch 442 may be an RF switch.

FIG. 4B includes details of an exemplary bridge 400B.

When the drop circuits 318 are connected to the hardline circuits 308 via connections 402, 403, the switch 442 is open. The bridge 335 may utilize a diplexer 482 exchanging hardline signals 107 to pass RF on the port circuit line 402 and to pass equipment supply voltage on a bridge line 441.

In an embodiment, the bridge may utilize a diplexer 486 exchanging hardline signals 109 to pass RF on the port circuit line 403 and to pass supply voltage from a bridge line 441.

In some embodiments, low pass filtering 484 such as an inductive (L) or inductive-capacitive (LC) filter may be interposed in line 441 between diplexers 482, 486.

When the drop circuits 318 are disconnected from the hardline circuits 308 via connections 402, 403, the switch 442 is closed. In this case, the diplexers 482, 486 RF connections 412, 413 are interconnected by the switch such that second diplexer 486 receives RF signals directly from the first diplexer 482 and receives equipment supply voltage signals from bridge line 441. These RF and equipment supply voltage signals are combined in the diplexer which exchanges signals with the downstream coaxial hardline 109.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstream hardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similar manner via diplexer 486 and switch 442 (closed switch) or via diplexer 486 and the drop circuits 318 (open switch).

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of tap circuits for fitment in a first housing 500A. A metallic base 520 provides a hardline entry 524 and a hardline exit 526. Notably, the base may include respective hardline connectors (not shown). The base is for receiving hardline circuits 308, drop circuits 318, and a metallic face plate 502. When the face plate is joined with the base, a housing for enclosing the tap circuits 308, 318 is provided.

Face plate ports 258, 278 such as F-Type ports include connections 348, 368 for mating with the drop circuits 318. Notably, the ports may be located on the face plate 502 or on the metallic base 520 (not shown). The drop circuits include connectors 402, 403 for mating with the hardline circuits 308. Notably, connectors 402, 403 also operate hardline circuit RF switches 510, 512 for bypassing the drop circuits. Diplexers 482, 486 and low pass filter 484 provide functions similar to those described above. Notably, any of the devices of FIGS. 3A-D, 4A-B may utilize a similar housing.

FIG. 5B shows tap circuits fitted into the housing 500B. As seen, the hardline circuits 308 are situated in the bottom of the base 520 and aligned for connection with hardlines at entry 524 and exit 526. Atop the hardline circuits, drop circuits 318 are interconnected via connectors 402, 403 that operate switches 510, 512. Atop the drop circuits, a face plate is interconnected via face plate connections 348, 368 (see FIG. 5C) to service ports 258, 278.

When the tap circuits 308, 318 are assembled into the housing and the face plate 502 is joined with the base 520, tap internals are shielded from electromagnetic interference.

FIG. 5C shows tap circuits fitted into a second housing 500C. Similar to FIG. 5B, here the housing includes a metallic face plate 502, a metallic bottom plate 580, and one or more metallic side walls 584, 586. When joined together, the faceplate, bottom plate, and side wall(s) shield tap internals from electromagnetic interference.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary tap with a removable directional coupler 600. Functionally similar to the tap described in FIG. 3A, this tap includes a splitter 315 interconnected between a directional coupler 317 and ports 248, 258, 268, 278 and a bridge 335 interconnected with the directional coupler. The bridge also interconnects the upstream hardline 107 and the downstream hardline 109.

The directional coupler 317 is plugged into the tap via connectors 610, 612, 614 and is removable from the tap when the connectors are separated. Tap internals are within a metallic housing that provides electromagnetic shielding such as ingress and egress shielding.

In some embodiments the splitter 315 and bridge 335 are on a single circuit board 630 within the tap housing 622. In some embodiments, a single motherboard with a plug in daughter assembly/board including the directional coupler 317 is within the tap housing. In some embodiments, the splitter and bridge are on separate circuit boards within the tap housing (not shown).

In an embodiment, a penetration 602 in a tap housing 622 provides a means for removing the directional coupler 317 from the tap as it is unplugged from the connectors. A closure 604 may be provided to cover the penetration, for example to provide electromagnetic shielding.

It should be noted that the penetration 602 is small relative to housing 622 dimensions. For example, the housing face plate 202 may be about 10, 15, 20, or 25 square inches while the penetration may be about 1, 2, or 3 square inches. Therefore, the penetration presents a much smaller area for ingress/egress of RF signals when the closure/access door 604 is removed as compared to when a much larger housing cover (e.g. approximately equal in size to face plate) is removed. Notably, the penetration dimensions can be adjusted/tuned to attenuate RF signals at particular frequencies.

Embodiments of the tap 300A, 400A, 500A-B, 600 include F-Type ports 248, 258, 268, 278 on a removable or irremovable face plate 202 which may or may not include the hardline connections on the face of the face plate or on a side of the face plate. The face plate may be opposite or facing the surface having the penetration 602. The face plate or face of the face plate may be on the same surface as the penetration. The hardline connectors and the F-Type connectors may be located on the same surface.

FIG. 7 shows RF a tap with cover dimensions of about 16 square inches and penetration dimensions of about 1.5 square inches (1-inch×0.5 inch). Shielding in dB is shown in the table below.

FREQUENCY/OPENING 1.5 GHz 2.5 GHz Cover Closed (Blue) −87 dB −105 dB Cover Open (Green) −45 dB  −82 dB Access Door Open (Red) −78 dB −104 dB

As seen, the shielding provided by the open access door is close to the same shielding provided by the closed cover. This is in sharp contrast to the shielding provided by the open cover versus the closed cover.

And, as seen, the shielding provided at 1.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz where an access door is opened in lieu of opening a cover is much improved. For example, tap RF signal egress at 1900, 2400, 2500 MHz can create problems such as interference where cellular and WIFI devices utilize similar frequencies.

The penetration may be located in any housing 622 surface. For example, the penetration may be located in a sidewall 690 of the housing 622 as shown. For example, the penetration may be located in another sidewall 692, 694, 696 of the housing. For example, the penetration may be located in a front 682 or rear 684 face of the housing. For example, to the extent the housing is an assembly with a housing front 682 removable from a housing rear 684, the penetration may be in either or both of the housing portion including the front or the housing portion including the rear.

Because the bridge 335 conducts equipment supply voltage low frequency signals from hardline 107 to hardline 109, removal of the directional coupler has no effect on the transfer of equipment supply voltage.

While the directional coupler 317 is connected, an associated actuator 344 holds an RF bypass switch 342 open which allows RF signals from the bridge 335 to pass through the directional coupler and back to the bridge. When the directional coupler is disconnected, the actuator causes the RF bypass switch to close which connects the two bridge RF signal lines 320, 330.

When the tap 600 is operating to service subscribers via the ports 248, 258, 268, 278, RF signals are being passed through directional coupler 317 and equipment supply voltage is being transferred from the upstream hardline 107 to the downstream hardline 109 via the bridge 335. When the directional coupler is removed from the operating tap, the bridge transfer is undisturbed while the RF signal is switched by connecting the bridge RF signal lines 320 and 330. The switching action may be “make before break” where the RF switch is closed before the directional coupler is disconnected.

FIG. 8A shows a tap assembly side view 800A. A housing 801 such as a metallic housing includes a face plate 805 opposite or facing a back plate 803, and a first side plate 802 and a second side plate 804. FIG. 8B shows a tap assembly face plate view 800B. In this view, a left side plate 807 and a right side plate 805 along with the third and fourth side plates 815, 817 are shown. The side plates may be individual plates or they may be integrated forming, with or without the front plate, for example, a single structure such as a casting or metallic casting. Not shown are hardline interconnects, see for example FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6 .

The face plate 805 may include suitably mounted F-Type connector ports 840. These ports may be used for subscriber connections.

Within the housing 801 are electrical components such as electrical components mounted on a circuit or printed circuit board(s). Opposite or adjacent to an interior 817 of the face plate 805, a first circuit board 834 interconnects 842 with the ports 840.

In some embodiments, the first circuit board 834 has a penetration, hole, or passage 810. This passage to allow passing of the electronic component 832 therein or therethrough.

Opposite or adjacent to an interior 819 of the back plate 803 is a second circuit board 836. This circuit board has a socket 837 for receiving connectors 833 of the electronic component 832. An electronic link 880 interconnects the first circuit board 834 and the second circuit board 836. In various embodiments this link may be a shielded link and in various embodiments this link may include electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Note that a bypass such as an RF bypass using for example a switch may be incorporated in the socket 837 or in one of the circuit boards 834, 836 such that removal of the electronic component opens or closes the switch (See FIGS. 3B, 4A, 5A, 6 ).

The circuit boards may be supported by one or more members of the housing 801. For example, the first circuit board 834 may be supported from the face plate 805 with one or more supports 821, 824, 826. For example the first circuit board 834 may be supported 811 from the first side plate 802 and/or supported from 812 the second side plate 804. For example, in a similar manner the first circuit board may be supported from the third side plate and/or the fourth side plate.

For example, the second circuit board 836 may be supported from the back plate 803 with one or more supports 823, 825. For example, the second circuit board 836 may be supported 813 from the first side plate 802 and/or supported 814 the second side plate 804. For example, in a similar manner, the second circuit board may be supported from the third side plate and/or the fourth side plate. For example, the second circuit board 836 may be supported by one or more attachments 873 to the first circuit board 834.

Devices on the first and second circuit boards 834, 836 may include any of diplexers, signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, high pass filters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters. In an embodiment, the first circuit board includes a diplexer and a splitter.

Devices included in the electronic component or module 832 may include any of signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, high pass filters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters.

In an embodiment, a tap or outdoor tap 800A includes a plug-in directional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit 832 for connection to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be attached to an interior tap wall such as a tap backwall 819. The directional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit may be removable through a hole, penetration, or passage 809 in the faceplate.

In some embodiments, the face plate 805 penetration, hole, or passage 809 allows passage of an electronic component 832 such as a plug in electronic module therein or therethrough and in some embodiments a removable cover 806 (round or multi-sided) or plug (round or multi-sided) such as a threaded plug 883 (round) is for blocking and/or sealing the penetration before or after passage of the electronic component. In some embodiments, a threaded plug 883 includes a skirt such as a skirt for pressing an O-Ring against the face plate.

In some embodiments, one or both of socket 837 and circuit board 836 may be replaced by a socket or by an assembly such as a socket or assembly excluding a circuit board. In some embodiments, the electronic module 832 may not pass through a circuit board or may interface with a single circuit board. In some embodiments, the electronic module hole, passage or entryway 809 may be in any face or side of the housing 801 that is not the face plate 805 and may have end contacts or side contacts that contact an appropriate socket.

FIGS. 8C-D shows a tap with various possible arrangements 800C-D.

FIG. 8C shows tap elements including a tap containment or housing (“tap housing”) and parts or subassemblies which may form parts of the tap 800C. In particular, the tap containment or housing 850 is shown with an electronic module 852 which may be similar to any of the electronic modules described herein and internal electronics 854 which may be similar to the hardline circuits and/or drop circuits described herein.

Mounted to the containment or tap housing 850 are connections and/or coaxial cable connections such as coaxial hardline connections 851 and subscriber ports such as coaxial subscriber ports 853. Tap holes such as tap holes in the tap housing at coaxial hardline connection(s) 851 may accommodate connectors associated with these connections. The connections may be located on one side of the tap housing or on multiple sides of the tap housing. For example, subscriber ports may be on one side and hardline connections on another side. For example one or more subscriber ports may be on a single side or on multiple sides. For example one or more hardline ports may be on a single side or on multiple sides.

In addition, the parts or subassemblies may include an electrical socket 856 that in some embodiments receives an electronic module such as the above-mentioned electrical module 852 and a closure or removable closure 858 for gaining access to an interior of the tap containment or housing. There may be one or more access or entryways in the housing. For example, a closure or removable closure 858 may provide access 880 (See exemplary FIG. 8D) to the socket and an electronic module inserted in the socket via this access. For example, the closure or removable closure may seal or close the access after an electronic module is inserted in the socket. In some embodiments the only access to the tap housing or containment may be via the removable closure or closures.

Mounted to the containment or tap housing 850 are connections and/or coaxial cable connections such as coaxial hardline connections 851 and subscriber ports such as coaxial subscriber ports 853. The connections may be located on one side of the housing or on multiple sides of the housing. For example, subscriber ports may be on one side and hardline connections on another side(s). For example, subscriber connections may be located on the same side, on opposite sides, or on adjacent sides. For example, hardline connections may be located on the same side, on opposite sides, or on adjacent sides.

FIG. 8D shows a schematic of the tap with various possible arrangements 800D. Here, a tap housing 850 has internal electronics 854. A removable electronic module 852 may be inserted into the housing. Further, the removable electronic module may be inserted into the housing via an access or entryway 880 and a removable or permanent closure 858. The closure may be similar to those described herein including a round threaded closure or plug. The closure may be used to close the access before or after the electronic module is inserted. There may be one or multiple sockets 856 and the electrical module may be inserted in a socket. The internal electronics may be a single assembly or multiple assemblies including circuit board(s). The socket and internal electronics may be a single assembly or multiple assemblies including circuit board(s). Electrical connections may include electrical interconnections between any of the socket assembly, the internal electronics, the subscriber connections, and the hardline connections.

The tap housing 850 is multi-sided and any of the sides may be flat, substantially flat, or curved and may be substantially rectangular or not. In various embodiments, the tap housing may have a box-like shape. Any of the sides may be fixed or joined permanently or removably with any adjacent or adjoining sides. Any of the sides or side portions may be removable in whole or in part from adjacent or adjoining side(s). An exemplary tap housing 850 is shown. Here, the housing has multiple sides including front and back sides 891, 892, top and bottom sides 893, 894, and left and right sides 895, 896. Here, any side may be a face plate and any side may be a cover plate.

The subscriber connections or ports 853 may be on any side or on multiple sides (shown on front side 891). The hardline connections or ports 851 may be on any side or on multiple sides (shown on left and right sides 895, 896). The access or entryway 880 may be on any side. One or more accesses or entryways may be on any side or on multiple sides.

In an embodiment, a tap housing 850 has an exterior surface that includes plural subscriber connections, within the tap housing, a socket 856 is interconnected with the circuits. The socket is configured to removably receive an electronic module 852 which includes a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner. An entryway 880 in the exterior surface provides access to the socket and a passage for the electronic module. A removable closure 858 is for blocking the entryway. The tap internals may be accessible only by the entryway in the exterior surface.

In an embodiment, a tap housing 850 has a front face opposite a back face and

Page 27 of 41 configured to interconnect with subscribers. Within the tap housing, circuits are configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline. Within the tap housing one or more sockets 856 are interconnected with the circuits, the sockets configured to removably receive respective electronic modules where each module includes a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner. For each socket, an opening in the face plate or sidewalls 880 that is aligned with the socket and a removable closure 858 is for blocking each of the openings. Here, each opening may correspond in size with the electronic module associated with the socket aligned with the opening such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening. But for the one or more openings, the tap may be permanently sealed.

In an embodiment, a tap housing 850 has a front face opposite a back face and sidewalls joining the faces. Tap housing coaxial cable ports at connections 851 are configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline and the tap housing front face has plural subscriber connections 853. Within the tap housing, circuits are configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline. Within the tap housing, a socket 856 is interconnected with the circuits and the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module, the electronic module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner. A tap housing entryway 880 provides access to the socket and a passage for insertion or removal of the electronic module from the tap housing and there is a removable closure 858 for blocking the entryway. The entryway may correspond in size with the associated electronic module such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of another tap assembly 900A similar to the tap assembly of FIG. 8A. A housing 901 such as a metallic housing includes a face plate 905 opposite or facing a back plate 903, and a first side plate 902 and a second side plate 904. Also included are side plates similar to 815, 817. The side plates may be individual plates or they may be integrated forming, with or without the front plate, for example, a single structure such as a casting or metallic casting. Not shown are hardline interconnects, see for example FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6 .

In some embodiments, the face plate 905 has a penetration, hole, or passage 909 to allow passing of an electronic component or module 932 such as a plug in electronic module therein or therethrough and in some embodiments a removable cover or plug such as a threaded plug 906 is for blocking the penetration before or after passage of the electronic component.

The face plate 905 may include suitably mounted F-Type connector ports 940. These ports may be used for subscriber connections.

Within the housing 901 are electrical components such as electrical components mounted on one or more circuit boards. In the embodiment shown, a single circuit board 914 is used and ports such as F Type ports mounted to the face plate are connected 942 to the circuit board. Note that the thickness “t” of the tap 900A may be reduced from that shown in FIG. 8A where there is a single circuit board or where circuit boards do not overlap.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 914 has a penetration, hole, or passage 910. This passage to allow passing of the electronic module 932 therein or therethrough.

The circuit board may be supported by one or more members of the housing 901. For example, the circuit board 914 may be supported from the face plate 905 with one or more supports 921, 924, 926. For example the circuit board may be supported from the first side plate 902 and/or supported from 912 the second side plate 904. For example, in a similar manner the first circuit board may be supported from third and fourth side plates interconnecting with the first and second side plates 902, 904.

Devices on the circuit board 914 may include any of diplexers, signal conditioners, directional couplers or removably attached directional couplers, splitters, high pass filters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters. In an embodiment, the circuit board includes a diplexer, removably attached directional coupler, and splitter. In an embodiment, the circuit board includes a diplexer, removably attached directional coupler, splitter, and connections to upstream and downstream hardlines (see FIG. 3A) that transport RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals;

Devices included in the electronic component or module 932 may include any of signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, high pass filters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters. In an embodiment, devices included in the electronic component or module include a directional coupler and optionally a signal conditioner.

The electronic module 932 may include electrical contacts such as side mounted electrical contacts 942, 944 for contact with circuit board contacts such as side mounted electrical contacts 943, 945. When mated, these contacts may provide for electrical connection of the electronic device 932 with the circuit board 914. The number of contacts may vary according to the requirements of interfacing the electronic device with other circuitry, for example with the circuit board.

In some embodiments circuit board contacts 943, 945 are not as shown in FIG. 9A. Rather, the circuit board contacts are planar with the circuit board such that the circuit board contacts and the module side mounted contacts 942, 944 lie in or near a common plane such as the plane of the circuit board or the plane of a side of the circuit board. This contact arrangement may facilitate component manufacturing such as where a circuit board hole is used. This contact arrangement may improve operation of circuit components at high frequencies such as operation reaching and beyond 2 GHz.

In an embodiment, a tap or outdoor tap 900A includes a plug-in directional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit 932 for connection to a printed circuit board such as printed circuit board 914. The printed circuit board may be attached to a tap interior such as to a faceplate interior wall 917. The directional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit may be removable through a hole, penetration, or passage 909 in the faceplate which may be sealed/covered by a cover or plug such as a threaded plug 806.

In some embodiments, the face plate 805 penetration, hole, or passage 809 allows passing of an electronic component 932 such as a plug in electronic module therein or therethrough and in some embodiments a removable cover 806 (round or multi-sided) or plug (round or multi-sided) such as a threaded plug 883 (round) is for blocking and/or sealing the penetration before or after passage of the electronic component. In some embodiments, a threaded plug 883 includes a skirt such as a skirt for pressing an O-Ring against the face plate.

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment having a first arrangement of circuit board contacts 900B. Here, electronic module 932 has an insertion end 933 and a trailing end 934. A first set of peripheral electrical contacts 942 and a second set of peripheral contacts 944 extend from the electronic device near the trailing end.

When the electronic module 932 is inserted in the circuit board hole or passage 910, electronic module contacts (e.g. 942, 944) can be located to connect with the circuit board contacts 943, 945. For example, module contacts 942 can connect with circuit board contacts 943 and module contacts 944 can connect with circuit board contacts 945.

Note that while the circuit board 914 is shown with opposed sets of two contacts 943, 945, any number of contacts may be provided to mate with corresponding contacts on the electronic module 932. Further, any of the contacts may be biased by inherent spring characteristics or by a separate spring. For example, contacts 942, 944 may be wipers that are biased by inherent spring characteristics to press against mating circuit board contacts 943, 945.

FIGS. 9C-D show an embodiment having a second arrangement of circuit board contacts 900C-D. Here, electronic module 932 has an insertion end 933 and a trailing end 934. A first set of peripheral electrical contacts 942 and a second set of peripheral contacts 944 extend from the electronic device near the trailing end.

As above, the electronic module 932 is for insertion in the circuit board hole or passage 910. Circuit board contacts include 943 a, 943 b for mating with electronic module contacts 942. Circuit board contacts include 945 a, 945 b for mating with electronic module contacts 944.

Note that circuit board contacts 943 b, 945 b are in a first contacting position in FIG. 9C. This contact may provide for a bypass function such as an RF bypass or a hardline RF bypass that is operative when the electronic module 932 is removed from the circuit board 914 (See FIG. 3B, 4A, 5A, 6 ). For example, where the electronic module includes a directional coupler, the bypass may operate when the directional coupler is removed from the tap. For example, where a circuit between circuit board contacts is provided by an inserted electronic module, this circuit may be replaced by the bypass when the module is removed.

When the electronic module 932 is inserted in the circuit board 914, circuit board contacts 943 b, 945 b are in a second non-contacting position. For example, they are separated and come into contact with respective electronic module contacts in contact sets 942, 944 as shown in FIG. 9D.

Note that while the circuit board 914 is shown with opposed sets of two contacts 943 a, 943 b and 945 a, 945 b, any number of contacts may be provided to mate with corresponding contacts on the electronic module 932. Further, any of the contacts may be biased by inherent spring characteristics or by a separate spring. For example, contacts 942, 944 may be wipers that are biased by inherent spring characteristics to press against mating circuit board contacts 943, 945.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment with yet another electronic component or module 1000. This module includes a directional coupler 1002, 1004 and a circuit element 1020 such as a signal conditioner. The circuit element may incorporate one or more filters and/or include one or more components such a capacitor, inductor, or resistor.

As shown, the electronic module 1000 includes the circuit element 1020 between and electrically interconnected with the secondary winding 1042 of a first transformer 1002 and the secondary winding 1052 of a second transformer 1004. The primary winding 1041 of the first transformer may connect Port A 111 to Port B 1012 or may connect an input port to a transmitted port. The primary winding 1051 of the second transformer may connect Port C to a ground 1016 as shown (e.g. via a resistor 1015) or may connect a coupled port to an isolated port.

Transformer 1002, 1004 windings may be designed to enable the circuit element 1020 to operate at an impedance other than the impedance of the primary windings 1041, 1051. For example, the transformers may match approximately 75 ohm primary windings with higher impedance secondary windings. These higher impedance secondary windings may enable the circuit element to operate at an impedance higher than 75 ohms. For example, to the extent that the circuit element includes one or more capacitors and/or inductors, the size and or value of these components may be changed and/or reduced at higher impedances enabling the size of the circuit element to be reduced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings that modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Likewise, the various examples described may be used individually or in combination with other examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various combinations of examples not specifically described or illustrated herein that are still within the scope of this disclosure. In this respect, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific examples set forth and the examples of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having” and similar terms are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term coupled may refer to a direct connection or to an indirect connection as in A coupled to C or A coupled to C via B.

Additionally, where a method described above or a method claim below does not explicitly require an order to be followed by its steps or an order is otherwise not required based on the description or claim language, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred. Likewise, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a step mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that the step is required by the claim.

It is noted that the description and claims may use geometric or relational terms indicating direction, rotation, orientation, proximity and the like. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure and, in general, are used for convenience to facilitate the description based on the examples shown in the figures. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be exact. For instance, walls may not be exactly perpendicular or parallel to one another because of, for example, roughness of surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc., but may still be considered to be perpendicular or parallel. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; tap holes to accommodate coaxial connectors associated with the coaxial cable ports; the hardlines configured to transport cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; and, the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; wherein the hardline circuits do not pass RF but are configured to continuously pass an equipment supply voltage present on one of the hardlines to the other of the hardlines irrespective of whether RF signals are conveyed to the subscriber ports.
 2. The tap of claim 1 wherein the tap hardline circuits pass the equipment supply voltage without use of a mechanical switch.
 3. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; tap holes to accommodate coaxial connectors associated with the coaxial cable ports; the hardlines configured to transporting cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; and, the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; wherein an RF switch for passing only RF signals is configured to pass RF signals present on one of the hardlines to the other of the hardlines when circuits for conveying the RF signal to the subscriber ports cease to convey the RF signal to the subscriber ports.
 4. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; tap holes to accommodate coaxial connectors associated with the coaxial cable ports; the hardlines configured to transport cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; and, the housing enclosing circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardlines; wherein a bridge is configured to continuously pass equipment supply voltage but not RF signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines and an RF switch is configured to pass RF signals but not equipment supply voltage between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the RF signals do not reach the subscriber ports.
 5. The tap of claim 4 wherein equipment supply voltage is passed without the use of a mechanical switch.
 6. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; tap holes to accommodate coaxial connectors associated with the coaxial cable ports; the hardlines transporting cable television signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuits for servicing subscriber ports; and, the hardline circuits including a bridge for continuously passing equipment supply voltage but not RF signals between the upstream and downstream hardlines; wherein an RF switch is for passing RF signals but not equipment supply voltage between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the drop circuits do not receive the RF signals.
 7. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the tap housing having an exterior surface supporting plural subscriber connections; tap circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; a tap socket within the tap housing interconnected with the circuits; the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module; the electronic module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; an entryway in the exterior surface that provides access to the socket and a passage for the electronic module; and, a removable closure for blocking the entryway.
 8. The tap of claim 7 wherein tap internals are accessible only by the entryway in the exterior surface.
 9. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with a front face opposite a back face and sidewalls joining the faces; coaxial cable hardline ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; subscriber ports located on the front face and configured to interconnect with subscribers; within the tap housing, circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; within the tap housing one or more sockets interconnected with the circuits; the one or more sockets configured to removably receive respective electronic modules, each module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; for each socket, an opening in the face plate or sidewalls that is aligned with the socket; and, a removable closure for blocking each of the openings; wherein each opening corresponds in size with the electronic module associated with the socket aligned with the opening such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening.
 10. The tap of claim 9 wherein but for the one or more openings, the tap is permanently sealed.
 11. The tap of claim 9 wherein interconnection of at least one of the electronic modules with the circuits is sensed.
 12. The tap of claim 11 wherein operation of an RF switch depends upon what is sensed.
 13. A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprises: a tap housing with a front face opposite a back face and sidewalls joining the faces; tap housing coaxial cable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; the tap housing front face having plural subscriber connections; within the tap housing, circuits configured to convey the RF signals to subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipment supply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstream hardline; within the tap housing, a socket interconnected with the circuits; the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module; the electronic module including a directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; a tap housing entryway that provides access to the socket and a passage for insertion or removal of the electronic module from the tap housing; and, a removable closure for blocking the entryway.
 14. The tap of claim 13 wherein the entryway corresponds in size with the associated electronic module such that the electronic module may be passed through the opening.
 15. The tap of claim 13 wherein interconnection of the electronic module with the circuits is sensed.
 16. The tap of claim 14 wherein operation of an RF switch depends upon what is sensed.
 17. The tap of claim 13 wherein the electronic module passes through a hole in a circuit board within the housing.
 18. The tap of claim 17 wherein the electronic module includes side contacts for electrical interconnection with the circuits.
 19. The tap of claim 17 wherein the electronic module includes end contacts for electrical interconnection with the circuits. 